Physics
National 4/5 Physics
Aims of the Course
The National 4/5 course builds on the Physics content of the Level 3 Science outcomes covered during S1 and S2.
The main aims of this Course are for learners to:
- develop scientific and analytical thinking skills in a Physics context
- develop an understanding of the role of physics in scientific issues
- acquire and apply knowledge and understanding of concepts in physics
- develop understanding of relevant applications of physics in society
Course Content
Pupils will study the following topics:
Waves – N4 pupils will find out about sound and how to measure the speed of sound, while N5 pupils will focus mainly on electromagnetic waves and their characteristics, but will get to build a wave machine out of bamboo skewers, gorilla tape and jelly babies!
Radiation - Pupils will study different types of radiation and their characteristics. They will research safe working levels of radiation and study how nuclear power plants operate. This topic will also include the study of half-life and simulating radioactive decay by throwing well over 100 dice!
Electricity - Pupils will look at different components of circuits and how they connect together for different uses. This will lead on to how to calculate the total electronic resistance of a circuit. There will be a focus on what different components are used for, which will include the use of thermistors and light dependent resistors to create circuits that can turn on or off with differing light levels and temperatures.
Properties of Matter - Pupils will study how heat is transferred between different objects and learn about specific heat capacity. Pupils will also study the properties of gases and learn how the heat, temperature and volume of a fixed mass of gas are related.
Dynamics - Pupils will study movement and Newton's laws of motion. This will include studying forces and analysis of velocity/time graphs. This will require the use of toy cars. ramps and skateboards. Pupils will discover what happens when you throw a ball while standing on a skateboard.
Space - Pupils will be encouraged to develop a sense for the vast scale of the universe and the risks and benefits of space travel will be explored. They will discover the evidence behind the Big Bang theory and find out how we can work out what stars are made of when we are down here and they are up there!
Course Assessment
National 4 pupils: Assessed internally by the Centre with no external examination at the end of the Course. Pupils who have successfully completed the Course will be awarded a pass.
National 5 pupils: Assessed externally by the SQA. The Course is graded A – D.
The assessment format for National 5 pupils is outlined below:
Component 1:
Question paper 80% of total mark
The question paper is made up of two sections a multiple-choice section and a written question section. The questions will assess the breadth of knowledge from across the course, depth of understanding and application of this knowledge and understanding to solve problems. The question paper will give the learners the opportunity to demonstrate the following skills:
- Integrate and apply Physics knowledge and understanding
- Apply scientific inquiry skills
- Apply scientific analytical thinking skills
- Explain the impact of applications to society/ the environment.
Component 2: Assignment 20% of total mark
This assignment will give learners an opportunity to demonstrate the following skills:
- Investigate/ research an appropriate Physics topic/ issue.
- Process the information gathered, using scientific investigative/ research skills
- Apply knowledge and understanding related to the topic/ issue.
- Present a reasoned and well-developed conclusion, supported by evidence.
Progression
Pupils successful at achieving a National 4 qualification in Physics can progress to any of the discrete sciences at National 5 Level.
Those successful in achieving a National 5 qualification in Physics can progress to Higher Physics.